She wrote on Facebook: ‘What is this weird thing?? Well that scruffball on the left becomes the cutey on the right. Or a kitten or a puppy. The idea behind it is to encourage the rescue and rehabilitation of animals without homes. It was my FAVOURITE toy from the Prima Toys Launch yesterday.

She added: ‘Kids will get a box with a scruffy and forlorn looking creature inside. They then wash it and brush it out (there’s a brush and some other stuff in the box) and discover the beautiful animal inside that just needed a bit of TLC.

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‘If we can teach kids from a young age to adopt and not shop, imagine how many animals will be rescued from shelters. Well done Prima.’

The post became a hit on social media, having been shared over 165,000 times and over 189,000 likes.

Many parents took to the comments section to praise the lovely idea, with one saying: ‘Wow brilliant idea. I hope this results in pet rescue centres only bring required in emergencies.’

Another said: ‘The ONLY presents we’re ever giving kids from now on!’

A third also commented: ‘I’m buying one of these for Mia… & one for myself too 😂❤️ How good!’

The product is available from several retailers like Very and Argos for £19.99, and comes with a grooming brush, collar with name tag and adoption certificate.

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The description on the website reads: ‘Find us Scruffy, Make us Fluffy! When buying your Scruff-a-Luv, they arrive as a sad ball of matted pink fur, but once you bathe them, dry them, brush them and love them, you will discover what kind of pet they really are! Who will you rescue? A Puppy, a Kitten or a Bunny? Only by saving a Scruff-a-Luv you will find out. In return, they will be your FFF (Furry Friend Forever).’

What do you think of the idea? Would you get it for your children? Head over to our Facebook page and let us know your thoughts in the comments!